I had the pleasure of interviewing Giuliana Rancic, star of “Giuliana and Bill “ reality show and host on E! Network on Thursday.  Giuliana  hosted a red carpet at the AMC North (600 N. Michigan) theaters for Chase. Chase was offering customers an exclusive screening of Toy Story 3 and will be kicking off its Buy One Get One Free offering on movie tickets that begins July 1st.

Chicagonista: How did this promotion come about with Chase?

Giuliana Rancic: My friend told me about this opportunity and I said absolutely.  My nieces are obsessed with Toy Story, I actually have 13 nieces and nephews and my niece said, ‘You have to go and see Toy Story 3,’ there is a bear in the movie (she likes).  She was like “Auntie will you bring me the bear home?” I’m like I’m just going to the movie; I can’t pull him off the screen!” (laughing).  Also I have been a Chase member for a long time.  I was happy to do it; I was thrilled to be in Chicago which is fantastic!  It was a no brainer.

I know you split your time between LA and Chicago with Bill Rancic.  How is that going for you?

GR:It’s good! You know we just started shooting season 3 of our reality show (Giuliana and Bill) and in the past it’s been 50/50- LA and Chicago. This season it’s about 80/20 -Chicago and LA.  Very excited, we are doing 80 percent in Chicago.  They tested the show and found that people really loved Chicago; people from the Midwest really love to see the Midwest.  I’m so excited that we get to be here so much, I love the city, I just need to move all of E! here to Chicago including Ryan Seacrest, but he’s a diva, he won’t move.

What are some of your favorite places in Chicago?

GR:I’m going later tonight to eat at Carmine’s, I love anywhere where I can sit outside when the weather is nice. I go shopping at Intermix or any of the stores on Michigan Ave. I love brand names, I don’t need boutiques. I’m like an H & M girl! I go to Blommie’s (Bloomingdale) a lot, I like regular stores. I find deals at Loehmann’s, I do it all. I’m a regular girl, I don’t do fancy stuff.  The best restaurants are here, we (her and Bill) do dinner and then take a 30 minute walk; we just love it (Chicago).

Tell us about the new book.

GR:We (her and Bill) have a new book we just wrote for Random House. It’s called: I do, now what? It’s a bible for newlyweds.  You get married, what happens now?  Especially now a days we are waiting till we are older to get married, we are independent when we get married, girls are working and it’s weird.  It’s about cohabitating and really locking down your foundation and creating a strong foundation.  So you will have a successful marriage for the next 50 years.  It’s been really fun, because Bill and I wrote it together.  It comes out September 28^th.

Tell us about the new reality show you producing?

GR:I have a new show called Bridalplasty, it’s basically the Swan meets the Biggest Loser meets Bridezilla.  Its 12 brides in the house and 6 weeks until their wedding and they compete for different things like their dream dress and a designer wedding cake as well as plastic surgery.  They are all very cute girls but they may want their nose tweaked or beautiful lips or more hair extensions.  It’s what they want but can’ t afford for their wedding.  It’s a fun show and they are going to look beautiful on their wedding day.

What can we expect from the new season of the show, Giuliana and Bill?

GR:It’s crazy! A lot of baby talk.  We have been very public about having a baby, trying for a baby and IVF and all that kind of stuff.  It’s been incredible. We have had a great response, we had no idea that other reality shows hadn’t talked about this.  People in Hollywood don’t talk about IVF, its more: “I’m 42, and my eggs are like a 20 year olds, my eggs are really special”.  Well they (eggs) are not.  So we wanted to bring it to the forefront and there is a lot of that.  We also just brought a house in Chicago, in Hinsdale – the burbs.  That’s exciting; it’s going to be a lot of crazy stuff on the new season.

Giuliana has been an anchor and managing editor of E! News since January 2005, an author of 2006’s hit Think Like a Guy, and married Chicago native and Apprentice winner Bill Rancic in 2007.

All media are asked to credit Chicagonista.com for any material used.

First I must say::: Congrats Black Hawks! Whooo hooo!

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I was invited to the fabulous unveiling of the latest in Jet Set Style with the Global Glam Spring / Summer 2010 Collection at the W Hotel Lakeshore with host Kelli Zink in her cute black sheer dress and Giuseppes and Jillian Harris (Bachelorette fame) in a Dennis Basso dress and Jimmy Choos.

I wondered: what is this Global Glam about? I soon learned that last fall W Hotels unveiled its first-ever exclusive fashion and accessories collection and this party was for the second season.

These stores are for the girl who knows the must have pieces of the season and know that W Hotel- The Store will provide. I learned that the designers were: Rebecca Minkoff, Dolce Vita, DANNIJO, Daniel Benedict, Rebecca Weissman, Vitamin A, Sonia Spencer, Susan Daniels, Suzanna Dai, Kendra Scott, and WiNK.

Many items are also available online and through the WISH catalogue. Get into it!

Desiree Rogers is working as a consultant with Johnson Publishing Co. ( Ebony and Jet magazines), to help with corporate strategy… while Amy Dubois Barnett is the new editor-in-chief of Ebony magazine.  I’m happy for both of these super talented ladies

Candace Jordan and a committee of her most stylish friends hosted the official ticket launch party for Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama 2010, benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities^® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (RMHC^®-CNI). Guests enjoyed appetizers by George Jewel, cocktails and a performance by rising stars & Hidden Beach recording artist, Naturally 7.

Celebs love the city!

Lenny Kravitz & Lisa Bonet daughter actress Zoe Kravitz performed recently at Debonair….Real Housewife of NY, Alex McCord, was at Barnes & Noble (Clybourn & North Ave.) signing autographs of her new book….Lil Kim performed at Enclave …

Kanye West performed at his 3rd annual “The Kanye West Foundation” Stay in School event on his bday to reward three Chicago Public Schools for improving its grades, behavior and attendance with performances at Farragut Career Academy and John Marshall Metropolitan and Percy L. Julian high schools with guest Common and Lupe Fiasco.

For my reader who wanted MORE MORE MORE Tiger Woods:: his wife Elin has filed for divorce.  They really want to keep it hush hush but it is rumored that she wants half of everything…. Can you blame her?

Heidi Montag just filed for legal separation from Spencer Pratt but I smell a PR stunt… she is rumored to be shooting a new reality show ….Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat and fellow Chicagoan) now has temporary custody of his two sons after a messy legal battle with his wife.  She has been refusing to let him see his children.  Trial is set in July for custody and the divorce.

The lovely Rae Lewis-Thornton is an Emmy Award winning AIDS Activist. will be having an event on Thursday, July 15, 2010 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the Encore Liquid Lounge (171 West Randolph Street ) please come  and support. Get tickets (free!) at http://rltevent.eventbrite.com

Until Next time

I tell what I know, not what THEY say

I was recently invited to the Imagine Twenty-Ten fashion show by the International Academy of Design.

The red carpet greeted me and as I walked in the atmosphere blew my mind. After getting settled, I immediately started with the Muse design winners. The challenge was for the designers to take inspiration from a person and create a unique outfit that was represented that.

I moved on to the beautiful installation of clothing, created by Michelle Tan – International Academy alum who is celebrating ten years in the fashion business! The clothing was unique and showcased the current trends of the season while also showcasing ten garments from each year of her business.

On to the show! Spotted in the audience Kelli Zink, Miss Illinois, Bobby Simmons (owner of SuccezZ clothing store), and Jay Cutler. The show was hosted by Channel 5’s Ginger Zee.

Shiny Toy Guns opened the show with their hit song, “Major Tom” and kept the audience dancing in their seats. The show was divided into themes such as Checks and Balances, Subtle Shimmer, street Savvy, Champagne toast, faux fur and more. In these themes the designers showed their personal take on what the theme meant to them.

Highlights and favorites of the show:

Imagine 2010 Outstanding fashion design Student Award Design winner! I lost my breath!

The Faux fur selection was completed with faux snow thrown over the audience.

*****

On a whim after the fashion show I decided to visit Japonais to enjoy cocktails and sushi with a friend. We found this was the unofficial afterparty! Kelli Zink and others mingled at the Riverside bar catching up and discussing the fabulous show!

I suggest that next year you do not miss one of the hottest fashion events in Chicago.

Thanks to Daphne Ortiz at prAlliance

I’ve said it before and I will say it again…. Chicago is becoming a party Mecca for celebrities… go out and grab drinks and you may run into LeBron, John Mayer…..

Cuvee is the hottest place to be in Chicago especially on Wednesday nights

Last week, Vince Vaughn, Jay Sean, B Real from the band Cypress Hill, and several Chicago Blackhawks players all visited.  This week its being said Cuvee didn’t let singer John Mayer in because he wasn’t wearing a shirt with a collar.

Also this past weekend Jake Gyllenhaal was hanging in Andersonville….

Nicole Richie was at Nordstrom to present her Spring 2010 Winter Kate clothing collection and hung out with Billy Dec at Sunda

LeBron James enjoyed Chicago for three days, first on Wednesday at District Bar, Cuvee and then Friday at Gilt…Shaquille O’Neal was spotted at Sangria and R.Kelly celebrating his girlfriend’s (21 at least….I hope) birthday at Mercadito

Jennifer Hudson has slimmed down and she has now revealed her secret.  Weight Watchers!  She will be a spokesperson.

*****

This summer, Rihanna will go on the road for her “Last Girl On Earth” North American tour. She’ll also be joined by up and coming pop star Ke$ha.

It kicks off in Seattle July 2, and makes 25 total stops, ending August 25 in Chicago.  Hits belted out will be from her newest album Rated R

NBC officially confirmed Gabourey Sidibe (Precious movie star) will be hosting SNL on April 24^th.

Guess who may do your manicure and pedicure one day? Serena Williams!

She has enrolled in the Palm Beach Nail School in Florida.  She was spotted practicing on a pair of feet.  I just can’t imagine having millions of dollars and wanting to give a stranger a pedicure…stranger than fiction

Until next time!

I cannot wait for the weather to become warmer so we can enjoy the fantastic events that will descend upon Chicago!  I hope everyone participated in Earth hour this past Saturday; Earth Hour is when you turn off your lights to help renew the planet for an hour.

Beauty Bar opened in the old Sonotheque space last week.  It’s a cool concept, a club/lounge with hair dryers and a salon feel! Tres chic!

10 folks in Chicago are needed to model fabulous clothes for Banana Republic event.  Go here to find out more http://bit.ly/c9nLN1

The biggest news out of Chicago?  The Lebron James and Jay-Z after concert party that was held at The Shrine on March 18^th.  The party was everything that a hot celebrity party should be.  Black carpet pictures courtesy of Hennessy Black where all the stars took pictures (see above)! Other celebs showed up like Chicago’s Olympic gold medalist Shani Davis, Antawn Jamison,  Chicago Bulls players, Dr. Ian Smith of the “Celebrity Fit Club”.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of meeting Bree and Bianca from previous seasons of America’s Next Top Model! Bianca is sooooo tall! They enjoyed drinks at ROOF at The Wit hotel

Lastly I would like to extend congratulations to the entire senior class of Chicago’s Urban Prep Academy for Young Men; the ENTIRE class has been accepted to college.

****

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson is still making money.  He has signed the biggest recording deal in history: a $200 million guaranteed contract with Sony Music Entertainment for 10 projects over seven years.

Shia LeBeouf is angry at Khloe Kardashian and her view of his car accident in 2009.  He feels she didn’t know what exactly happened before she commented

“And I’m so upset, man. I’m so angry,” he tells GQ. “Because this accident was not caused by me. I got hit. I had a green. This [expletive] ran a red light. And he flipped my truck, and he shoveled it on my hand. And my fingers are in the street … They’re in the street, they’re off, they’re under the truck door, man. This is fake, dude,” he says, lifting his newly reconstructed hand. “This is hip bone and the skin that was left over…”

Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat) and Isla Fisher married in Paris on March 15 in front of 6 guests.

Lady Gaga’s ex-boyfriend is suing her for $30mill. He says he co-authored songs and she has counter sued…this is going to be interesting

It’s being reported that a Laverne & Shirley remake is being written by Jamie Foxxand  Jessica Biel & Jennifer Biel would be the stars.  After their movie Valentine’s Day the two are now best friends… I’m not sure how I feel about this. Can they compare to the original?

Until Next Time!

Daylight savings time has arrived with one hour less of sleep but more sunlight! What can you do?

I would like to congratulate Chicago’s very own writer/blogger Afrobella, she has been pegged to write for Vogue Italia’s new website Vogue Black.

Get your money and your singing voice ready because the cast of Glee will be here at the Rosemont on May 25^th and 26^th….and guess who will lend her voice and music to an upcoming episode? Lady Gaga!

Kim Kardashian and her sisters are joining forces to promote new skincare line PerfectSkinTM. Along with their other 1200 endorsements! PerfectSkinTM will launch in spring 2010.

“I have literally tried everything out there and nothing even comes close to PerfectSkin,” Kim says in a release for the three-step skincare system. Khloe offers her own reasons for representing the brand: “These products are so luxurious. I get so many compliments on my skin now.”

If you haven’t heard of the televison series “The Game” now is the time to catch up on the past 3 seasons.  Its being reported that BET has struck a deal with ‘The Game’s’ parent company Paramount to develop new episodes of the popular series.  Previously the show was seen on the CW

Once the deal is finalized, ‘The Game’ will begin production on new episodes in May and shoot on location in Atlanta .

“The Game” stars notables such as Tia Mowry (Sister, Sister fame) , Pooch Hall, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Hosea Chanchez, Brittany Daniel and Coby Bell

Fashion, fashion and fashion?

The Oscars came and went with a lot of surprises and records being broken like the first woman to win for Best Director (Kathryn Bigelow) and Sandra Bullock beating out the most-ever nominated actress Meryl Streep for the award of best actress for her role in “The Blind Side.”

What concerned me more were the dresses of the night.  Bland and safe at the Oscars but the after party hosted by Vanity Fair is where the stars took risks and shined (pictures).

Amy Winehouse is doing a fashion line for Fred Perry which will hit stores in October.  I’m very curious to what that line will entail.

While Amy is designing Linday Lohan is turning her back on the fashion world.  She was tapped to be an artistic adviser for the fashion line Ungaro but when her ‘fashions’ made their debut, critics slammed her.  Its now being reported that Lohan will no longer be involved with the line.

Until Next Time!

Chicago is heating up! I know, I know.  NOT weather wise but we are fast becoming the Midwest hotspot.

Chicagoan and ‘The View” cohost Sherri Shepherd was here in Chicago  last weekend.  Reason?  DuSable Museum honored her at their 100 Night of Stars Gala! She looked stunning (picture above).   She also hit up Ajes Salon where a fellow friend chatted her up and said she was super nice and she also went Stepping at Taste Entertainment.

Fun weekend for Sherri!

Jersey Shore stars Pauly D and Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino made an appearance at Lumen last Friday.

Jessica Simpson was here to tape an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey show,  she grabbed food  at Le Colonial,  Table 52, and Mercadito. She was a busy lady!

Chicagoan Angela Martin has struggled with pursuit of becoming an American Idol contestant.

When she first auditioned she had to leave due to the murder of her father THEN last year she  could not continue on because a speeding ticket required her to  be in court and led to her arrest.

This year she made it to the semi-finals even though her mother has  been missing since Christmas Eve. Needless to say she did not make the final 24.

She also has a special needs child. WOW! So Ellen (new judge on Idol) surprised her with the news that fellow judge Kara DioGuardi will pen a song for her.

“You’re going in a studio,” DeGeneres said. “She is going to produce a song for you and we’re going to get you a record label.”

I know you have heard of Rae Lewis-Thornton the    Emmy Award Winning AIDS Activist, who was diagnosed with HIV at the age of 23. She became a household name and inspiration to  all after she told her story on the cover of Essence magazine.

I had the honor of speaking with her on Twitter.  She has been an inspiring and uplifting spirit in my life.

On March 25^th at Bottom Lounge please join the ladies of The Red Pump Project in honoring Ms Thornton and raising awarness for AIDS.

Wesley Snipes and the director Antoine Fuqua held a special screening last Tuesday here at the AMC for the new movie Brooklyn Finest. My insider said the film is a must see but she couldn’t get over how short Wesley Snipes is! That’s all she could talk about.

Lastly we have the Marc Jacobs store here in the Windy City.  It offically opened on Thursday at Rush and Walton.  I’m hearing they have a great, attentive staff and they gave away free goodies to those who attended the preview and the Grand Opening.

Until next time

I tell what I know. Not what THEY say

First congratulations are in order to the New Orleans Saints for winning the Superbowl!  They were my pick from the start.

Chicagoan designer Maria Pinto, whose clients have included  first lady Michelle Obama and  Oprah Winfrey has announced that she will be closing her boutique in the West Loop and ceasing her business operations.

Via Sun Times:

”I am confident that the ‘Maria Pinto’ name will not go away, but will merely take a break, before emerging in a new form. I plan on using the next several months to explore different avenues and opportunities for business, as economic conditions improve.”

Some celebrities that were spotted here in Chicago:  Nick Cannon, DJ’ing at Billy Dec’s One Year Twitter Anniversary Party at Underground after his wife’s (Mariah Carey)  Valentine Day concert.   Bethenny Frankel (Real Housewives of New York) was in town for her book signing at Neiman Marcus. (see photo via Michigan Ave Magazine)

Owner, Nicole Jones of Sensual Steps (shoe boutique and shoe lifestyle connoisseur) in the Bronzeville Area was recently on ABC’s Shark Tank to pitch her idea of becoming a franchise based company but sadly none of the Sharks wanted to invest in her idea.

News of celebrities being paid loads of money to attend Fashion Week and sit front row was released with lots of backlash and shock.  Some of the stars:

Rihanna ($100,000 or more)

Kim Kardashian ($35,000-$50,000)

Jennifer Lopez (circa 2005: $80,000; circa 2010: $30,000)

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen ($80,000 each)

In sad news: Iconic fashion designer Alexander McQueen has died at the age of 40.

Until Next time!

I tell what I know. Not what THEY say

First I would like to say that my heart and mind is still with those in Haiti that are facing tragedy BUT they will prevail.

If you haven’t, please donate to the Red Cross and other reputable organizations to help.

Here in Chicago there were lots of parties going on to benefit Haiti. The most noticeable was Billy Dec at Rockit Bar Wrigleyville with lots of Chicago celeb friends. Also making Chicago appearances were Jaimee Grubbs (Tiger Woods’ alleged mistress) seen at club Manor and J-Woww (Jersey Shores) at RiNO.

Chicago has announced the cancellation of Venetian Night as well as July 3rd fireworks at Navy Pier. They will also close the Taste of Chicago at 6pm on July 3rd and 4th

The Broadway Show Wicked is coming back to Chicago!!!!! Yay! I am so excited because I missed it the previous run.

The Black Eye Peas are being sued by Chicago native Ebony Latrice Batts, who performs as Phoenix Phenom. Their song “Boom Boom Pow” sounds familiar to her song “Boom Dynamite”. To make matters worse Phoenix Phenom sent the song to Interscope Records (Peas label) , in the hopes of getting Fergie to perform on the track.

News from other cities:

Gisele Bundchen gave birth in her bathtub at home and did a photo shoot just weeks after birth, which makes me, feel I am doing something really wrong with my 2010 diet.

Heidi Montag has upset a lot of people with her admission of 10 plastic surgery procedures in one day! Take a look at the before and after picture. She’s saying she will buy her mother a couple procedures for Mother’s Day. Last and in sad news: ABC has canceled “Ugly Betty” they will let this season 4 finish and its adios amigos!

Last night the 2010 Grammy’s aired and I must say DIS-A-PPOINT-ED. I’m just over the mediocre performances and the awards given on popularity vs. actual talent and the fashions weren’t the best either.

Grammy’s for me are about fun and fabulous dresses, hair and times. Leave the stuffy, long boring gowns at home and cut it loose! Below are best dressed: Lea Michele, Fergie, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus

Until Next Time!

Welcome to a new year and a new decade!

Chicago was the place to host winter parties! A slew of celebrities found themselves braving the cold Chicago elements to give their fans some autographs, performances and sightings!

The second weekend of December found Diddy aka Puff Daddy here hosting a listening party for his upcoming album

Last Train to Paris as well as dropping by the club Dream to mingle.  Also that weekend Chicagoan rapper Kanye West’s girlfriend Amber Rose hosted a party at club Zentra.

Kim Zolciak wasn’t tardy for her party at Manor here in Chicago on December 18th,  seen posing with a fan. The Saturday after Christmas Solange Knowles (Beyonce’s sister) spun her favorite songs for two hours at Zentra (pic).

Finally Leighton Meester (Blair from Gossip Girl) performed a few of her hits at Underground on January 1st.  Blake Lively (Serena from Gossip Girl) even flew to Chicago to see her!  I briefly spoke to Blake on Twitter. She has a line of handbags coming out with Christophe Guillarme in late 2010.

Congrats to Kourtney Kardashian.  She welcomed a baby boy Mason Dash Disick.  Speaking of the Kardashians, the three sisters will be launching  the BEBE 2010 Spring line and coming out with a book about fashion, love, beauty  tips & secrets. Kim will also be launching her new fragrance in 2010.  Whew! They sure know how to stay in the limelight. Speaking of fragrances and book deals;  Eva Longoria Parker is set to release a new fragrance while Rihanna will be releasing a book on June 29th called The Last Girl on Earth

Sad news to report: Eunice Johnson the widow of Chicago’s EBONY magazine founder passed this Sunday.  Also lost over the holidays were Brittany Murphy (Clueless), Chris Henry, Alaina Reed Hall (Olivia on ‘Sesame Street’ who later starred on ’227′), and Casey Johnson (heiress to the Johnson & Johnson fortune).

Until Next time

I tell what I know. Not what THEY say

Amber Rose and Solange pics via 5×2
Diddy and Kim Z pics via Twitter
Leighton Meister via ohnotheydidnt